The Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, alongside the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Cyber Fraud Analytical Support Team, has announced the shutdown of numerous fraudulent SunPass websites. These sites targeted users with fake toll notices and phishing schemes aimed at stealing personal and financial information. In response, a new consumer protection resource titled “Scams at a Glance: SunPass Safety” has been released to help Floridians and tourists identify and avoid such scams.
Acting Attorney General John Guard stated, “These fraudulent SunPass websites preyed on unsuspecting Floridians and tourists, trying to steal personal information through fake billing notices. We are taking swift action to shut down these sites and protect consumers. Floridians need to be cautious when receiving texts or emails claiming they owe money for tolls as it could be a scam.”
The fraudulent schemes involved scammers creating websites that mimicked official toll payment portals like SunPass or E-ZPass. They then sent phishing emails and text messages containing links to these sites, often with urgent claims of unpaid tolls and fines. Victims were directed to provide personal information on these fraudulent sites, which scammers used for identity theft or fraud.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, Floridians are advised to:
– Verify the source by contacting SunPass or E-ZPass directly using official customer service numbers.
– Check accounts for unpaid tolls via official portals rather than links in unsolicited messages.
– Be wary of messages threatening penalties for immediate payment as they are likely scams.
For further guidance, individuals can view “Scams at a Glance: SunPass Safety” online in both English and Spanish. Additional information about various scams is available at MyFloridaLegal.com/ScamsAtAGlance. Suspicious activities related to SunPass or E-ZPass can be reported through FDLE’s Report a Cybercrime webpage.
